Charter Review July 4th Neighborhood Parade

CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION

Recommends Amendments for Voter Approval

Every 10 years, Westerville City Council appoints a Charter Review Commission to conduct a full review of the time-tested document that acts as the City’s “Constitution.” The five-member Commission of resident-appointees met earlier this year, considering a number of issues and amendments proposed by residents or modern-day practices. dates of informal and temporary legislative actions

On March 10, Commission members conducted a virtual work session with Council, presenting a list of issues identified for evaluation and analysis. From that discussion came five amendments to be considered by voters in the November 3 general election.

Commission Chairman and former Councilmember Larry Jenkins says the recommendations generally represent updates, revisions and edits that best reflect current City programs, services and community governance needs.

“The Charter continues to serve Westerville well, but to include digital communication and the very broad access the City can provide to its residents,” said Jenkins. “Other items really represent what is commonly known as ‘housekeeping.’ Essentially, making sure we’re considering how our government can best serve us moving forward.”

AMENDMENTS INCLUDE:

Remove existing requirements for certain written notices and postings, and allow Council to determine appropriate methods of notice and publication.

Confirm the common expectation and practice of effective there were a few opportunities to modernize language

Move the start date of Council member’s terms to January 1 and Council’s organizational meeting to the first meeting thereafter.

Revise certain requirements and procedures regarding recall, including petition format and election dates.

Allow Council to appoint members of the Personnel Review Board to additional boards.

All amendments will be presented as one ballot initiative, as they collectively represent an effort to update the charter for modern practice and procedures and to prevent ballot confusion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact the Clerk of Council’s office at (614) 901-6410.

Special thanks to the following individuals who serve on the 2020 Charter Review Commission:

Larry Jenkins, Chair

John Bokros Lavonne Bailey, Vice Chair Dennis Blair Megan Reamsnyder

City Brings 4 th of July Parade to the Community

July 4th is a time to gather with family and friends, attend a parade, watch fireworks and celebrate our great country. The holiday this year will look much different due to COVID-19 regulations. Although the parade through Uptown Westerville has been canceled, families will still be able to enjoy a shortened but still enjoyable parade that will come right to their neighborhood thanks to the City of Westerville. Fire Trucks, Police cruisers, Public Service and Electric Utility trucks along with a variety of community vehicles will drive in coordinated routes throughout the City. For a map of the planned routes and timing of when the parade can be expected in areas of the City, visit www.westerville.org/4thofJuly.